£16 Million Grant Boosts UK Firms Developing Satellite Technology for Secure Communications
The UK Space Agency has awarded £16 million in grants to two electronics firms, EnSilica and Excelerate Technology, to develop secure satellite communication devices for government use and to enhance internet connectivity in rural areas. This initiative aims to bolster the UK's position in the global space sector.
EnSilica, based in Oxfordshire, will receive £10.4 million to design silicon chips for satellite signal terminals. These chips are essential for the operation of user terminals that receive satellite signals, enabling secure communication channels for governmental operations. Excelerate Technology, located in Cardiff, will receive £6 million to develop terminals and related mobile applications. These terminals will facilitate secure communication for government agencies, while the mobile applications will provide user-friendly interfaces for accessing these services.
The UK government has emphasised that this funding is crucial for maintaining the country's competitive edge in the rapidly evolving global space sector. Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant stated, "The UK has all the cutting-edge expertise and technology to spearhead the latest advancements in satellite communications and become a leader in this high-tech industry." Ian Lankshear, co-founder and chief executive of EnSilica ... echoed this sentiment, noting that the government's investment is driving growth in the space communications technology market.
This funding initiative is part of the government's broader efforts to reduce reliance on non-European satellite services, such as Elon Musk's ... over four million subscribers. By supporting domestic companies in developing secure satellite communication technologies, the UK aims to enhance its sovereignty in space communications and ensure the security and resilience of its infrastructure.
The UK Space Agency plans to invest £160 million over the next ... support companies working in this field, aiming to expand expertise and commercialise new products. While this investment is significant, it is smaller compared to similar programmes in the United States and the European Union. For instance, the EU's "Chips for ... until 2030, has a budget of €15.8 billion.
EnSilica operates on a ... designing chips but outsourcing the fabrication, packaging, and assembly processes. The company plans to create a European-focused supply chain to meet the demands of projects like Iris 2, a European satellite constellation programme. This approach aims to mitigate concerns about using US technology in their products, which could lead to restrictions on sales to certain countries.
The development of secure satellite communication devices is expected to have significant benefits for rural areas in the UK. By enhancing internet connectivity in these regions, the initiative aims to bridge the digital divide, providing rural communities with access to high-speed internet services. This improvement is anticipated to support local businesses, education, and healthcare services, contributing to the overall economic development of these areas.
In summary, the UK Space Agency's £16 million investment in EnSilica and Excelerate Technology underscores the government's commitment to advancing secure satellite communication technologies. This initiative not only aims to strengthen the UK's position in the global space sector but also seeks to enhance internet connectivity in rural areas, promoting economic growth and technological innovation across the country.
